"Edwards" AIR 2/5686

Secret 44A

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HONOURS AND AWARDS

Christian Names: Hughie Idwal Surname: EDWARDS D.F.C.

Rank: Acting Wing commander Official No: 39005.

Group: No. 2 Group. Unit: No. 105 Squadron.

Total hours flown on operations: 123 hours 18 minutes

Number of sorties carried out: 37

Recognition for which recommended: Victoria Cross.

Appointment held: Flying Duties (Squadron Commander)

Particulars of meritorious service for which this recommendation is made:

Wing Commander Edwards after leaving his Australian Flying Training School, joined Number 15 Bomber Squadron in 1937 and was posted – at his request – to Number 90 Squadron to fly Blenheims. While cloud flying in 90 Squadron his Venturi became iced up as a result of which the aircraft became out of control. He ordered his crew to abandon aircraft, but when he left the aircraft his parachute became entangled with the tail and he was dragged down to the ground by the falling Blenheim. When he was found beside the wreckage he was still conscious, but both legs had been severely fractured.

As a result of the severe injuries received in this accident his right foot is suspended by cable from the hip to enable him to walk. Undeterred by this crash he immediately started pressing to return to full flying. In due course this was acceded to and after restricted flying on light aircraft he became operational again, but before carrying out his operational training at Number 13 O.T.U. in the autumn of 1940, WingCommander Edwards had another serious crash which did not affect his determination to continue flying in a fighting unit. At his O.T.U. he became efficient and was selected to remain there as an instructor.

On 20th. February 1941, he was posted to No. 139 Squadron, and six days later he led his first formation on an operational mission. During the following two months he carried out several successful missions, both individual sorties and as leader of a formation.

On 11th April 1941, as a result of successful work and obvious powers of leadership, he was promoted to the acting rank of Squadron Leader and given command of a flight. In this capacity he continued to develop his powers of leadership, and by his high standard of flying and keen determination to search out and destroy the enemy, he raised the morale of his flight to a high pitch.

Whilst in command of his flight he was engaged mainly on attacks against enemy shipping, attacks in which both he and his flight achieved considerable success.

On 1st May 1941, he was responsible for the organisation and planning of an attack against DEN HELDER in which he led the formation.